Clayton Kershaw has cemented his place among baseball’s elite, becoming just the 20th pitcher in Major League history to reach 3,000 career strikeouts. The Los Angeles Dodgers ace notched the milestone in vintage fashion, fanning Chicago White Sox hitter Vinny Capra during the sixth inning at Dodger Stadium on Wednesday night.
While 3,000 hits often steal the headlines, the 3,000-strikeout mark remains an even rarer feat, highlighting just how dominant Kershaw has been over his illustrious career. Remarkably, the Dodgers legend accomplished this with fewer innings pitched than any other member of the club to date, showcasing his efficiency and command.
Kershaw’s resume now gleams even brighter. He boasts the highest winning percentage (.697) and best ERA+ (155) of the 3K group, edging out legends like Pedro Martinez and Tom Seaver. His 61.9 average game score and 68% quality start rate further underscore his consistent brilliance.
Despite battling injuries in recent seasons, the three-time Cy Young winner continues to defy expectations. Though his bWAR (77.1) places him 16th among this exclusive club, there’s no doubt Kershaw has solidified his legacy as one of the greatest pitchers of the modern era.
—
Photo Credit: Keeton Gale / Shutterstock.com